Positive feedback following cellphone blitz

As a
week-long blitz on drivers using cellphones behind the wheel
ends, police say feedback from motorists – even those
caught – has been generally positive.

Police launched
the nationwide blitz last Monday (26 November) to coincide
with the anniversary of the introduction of legislation
banning mobile phone use while driving and to remind drivers
of the risk associated with distraction while driving. Also
included in the blitz, which ended at midnight yesterday,
was a focus on wearing safety belts.

Superintendent Carey
Griffiths, National Manager Road Policing, said while
infringement numbers would not be known for a few weeks, it
was not considered a measure of the success of the campaign.

“While enforcement is a part of the equation in getting
people to change their behaviour, Police don't take an
increase or decrease in numbers of infringements as a
success measure. It’s a success if we can generate an
increased awareness among motorists of the dangers of these
risks and get them to change their behaviour, which will
translate to an overall reduction in crashes, deaths and
injuries over time.

“In the meantime, what is really
pleasing is that anecdotal feedback from Police staff across
the country suggests most people have responded positively
to the campaign, with feedback from many motorists saying
that they are unimpressed when they see someone using their
cellphone at the wheel, and that they are pleased that
Police are enforcing the rule.

“Equally, many of those
who have been caught have been contrite about being ticketed
and have said it was about time they were caught to stop
them doing it again,” Mr Griffiths said.

“The good
thing is that people seem to be taking on board the message
that it’s not okay to be on the open road at 100 kph and
not be giving your full attention to driving because
you’re using your phone or handheld device to send a text
or check an email, as nothing is that important.

“Generating more widespread social unacceptance of this
kind of risky behaviour that puts other, law-abiding road
users at risk is a key step in helping to make our roads
safer for everyone.”

Mr Griffiths said despite the
campaign finishing, Police would still be continuing to
target driver distraction and other forms of risky behaviour
– including those who failed to wear seatbelts or ensure
children were safely restrained.

"We know that just as
putting away cellphones and other distractions can make a
difference, wearing seat belts also continues to save lives,
even though there are still some drivers and their
passengers who just don't get it.

"These are two very
simple things that we can all do that can make a
difference," Mr Griffiths said. "It is not hard or time
consuming, but can be the difference between life and death
if something goes wrong.

The Government has approved a negotiating mandate for Trans-Pacific Partnership 11 (TPP11), which will ensure New Zealand businesses remain competitive in overseas markets.

Trade Minister Todd McClay says New Zealand will be pushing for the minimal number of changes possible to the original TPP agreement, something that the remaining TPP11 countries have agreed on. More>>

.

As a desperate Turnbull government tries to treat the Barnaby Joyce affair as a Pauline Hanson fever dream – blame it on the foreigners! We’re the victims of the dastardly New Zealand Labour Party! – our own government has chosen to further that narrative, and make itself an accomplice. More>>

Wellington City Council is partnering with the University of Otago, Wellington, to launch a voluntary Rental Warrant of Fitness for minimum housing standards in Wellington, Mayor Justin Lester has announced. More>>

“The Crown acknowledges Moriori was left virtually landless from 1870, hindering its cultural, social and economic development. The Crown also acknowledges its contribution to the myths that the people of Moriori were racially inferior and became extinct." More>>

ALSO:

Race Relations Commissioner Dame Susan Devoy is in Geneva and has asked a United Nations committee to urge the New Zealand government to initiate an inquiry into the physical and sexual abuse of children and disabled people held in state institutions. More>>

The commitment was signed this afternoon by the leaders of Labour, United Future, The Maori Party, and the Green Party and, together with the earlier commitment by New Zealand First, means that there is now a Parliamentary majority behind the families’ fight for truth and justice. More>>